Petrify

To petrify means to terrify someone so much that they become unable to move or think. It can also mean to convert organic matter into a stone-like substance by the infiltration of minerals, turning it into a fossil. Figuratively, it describes a state of utter astonishment or fear that leaves a person motionless and speechless, similar to being turned into stone. The word often implies a sudden and intense experience that leaves a lasting impact, whether it be the shock of witnessing a traumatic event or the slow, geological process of fossilization.

Petrify meaning with examples

• The sudden crash of thunder and lightning during the storm seemed to petrify the children, leaving them huddled together in silence, their faces pale with fear. They were so scared that they could not even breathe. All they could think of was surviving the storm.
• Years ago a volcanic eruption happened, and after the lava receded, many of the trees in the area had been petrified, transformed into stunning, stone monuments that stood as a reminder of nature's raw power and the danger of the eruption. You can see the trees now at a park.
• The unexpected news of her promotion, and subsequent transfer, was so overwhelming that it petrified her; she stood frozen, unable to respond, her mind reeling from the implications of her new role and the move away from her friends and family. Now she has an awesome job.
• When the masked figure emerged from the shadows, the audience was petrified with dread; every single person froze. They did not move because they knew this was a serious situation that could cost their lives. It felt as though their blood was made of stone.